Black in Cancer has worked with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to launch the Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship Programme, external to help develop the next generation of black scientists.
In his first year of the CRUK-funded scholarship programme, Randy Greaves said it allowed him to realise a life-long dream.
After his aunt died from cancer, he considered oncology but was unable to study medicine in Jamaica.
"I still wanted to learn more about cancer because if I wasn’t going to become an oncologist, I was going to be a cancer researcher," Mr Greaves said.
"There are so few black people working in this field, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, so an opportunity like this is essential for researchers like me and the black community in general.
"In the Caribbean, there aren’t the same resources and facilities, and people aren’t as aware of cancer. So, it’s usually at an advanced stage when they do get sick. I hope I can help raise that awareness."
Started by postdoctoral associate Sigourney Bonner while studying for a PhD at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute at the University of Cambridge —Black In Cancer aims to increase the number of black scientists in the field, enhance knowledge of the disease within the black community, and tackle misconceptions.
Read this article in its complete form where it was initially published by the BBC here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0w4xxpxne0o